I was very excited about doing my first track. I am a long time street rider (20+) years, but new to track riding. I have no interest in racing but I wanted to improve my skills in a "safer than the street" environment. So, signed up for Level 1 (Novice). The RideSmart owner and instructors talked a good game, but the reality was very different.
I knew I would be slow on the track, but was assured that I would be able to "ride my own ride." They covered the rules of passing in detail, basics of track riding and the riding schedule. Session 1 was a round robin, where everyone gets a chance to follow directly behind the instructor. That didn't happen. Too many riders, I was towards the back of the line. Session ended before everyone got their turn.
Session 2. Complete free for all. Passing rules? Negative. Passing anywhere, anytime. Outside, inside, corners, anything goes. Instructors? Saw one, once. Doing what? Not really sure. Felt very unsafe. Saw multiple crashes the short time I was there. Skipped the other session. Left early. I did find the owner and the one instructor who had worked with me between sessions, to let them know I was leaving and to thank him for his help. Both were disappointed that I was leaving, but both also blamed CoVid-19 and the shutdown as contributing factors for my poor experience !?
As it so happened, I had talked to a very experienced racer prior to my track day. I told her my plans, and she voiced her displeasure with her RideSmart experience. Her dissatisfaction with the operation resulted in her leaving early and not finishing the day as well.
Maybe all track schools/track days are like this, I don't know. So, if you are looking for a controlled environment, that is safer than public roads, to practice your riding skills, then look somewhere else, because you won't find it at RideSmart. read more